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Lemon Parmesan Couscous

Zesty Lemon Parmesan Couscous: Your New Go-To Side Dish

This Lemon Parmesan Couscous combines light fluffy couscous with zesty lemon and creamy Parmesan for a quick and versatile side dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Couscous
  • 1 cup Couscous can substitute quinoa or rice for gluten-free
  • 1.5 cups Vegetable Broth or water for a lighter flavor
For the Sauté
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or butter for different flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust for spice preference
For the Zesty Flavor
  • 1 Lemon (Zest and Juice) adjust according to tartness preference
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese or feta, goat cheese, or nutritional yeast for vegan option
For the Garnish
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley/Basil) can substitute dill or cilantro

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • small skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Parmesan Couscous
  1. Begin by bringing 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Allow the broth to bubble vigorously for about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Once the broth is boiling, add 1 cup of couscous to the saucepan. Stir gently, then cover the pot with a lid and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
  3. While the couscous is resting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
  4. After the couscous has absorbed all the liquid, fluff it with a fork, then add the sautéed garlic-oil mixture, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish generously with fresh chopped herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Fluff couscous gently with a fork and watch garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning. Adjust flavors to taste, and consider adding leafy greens for nutrition.

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